Olympia Oysters
Considered a luxurious delicacy across the United States, oysters are one of the most familiar animals belonging to the phylum Mollusca. According to the archaeological record in the Bay Street Shellmound, Olympia Oysters (Ostrea lurida), native to the Pacific Northwest and California, were highly prized by Ohlone tribe members. It would have been a rare treat for them to find scarcer oysters amongst more common mussel species in wetlands such as where McLaughlin State Park now sits at the mouth of the creek. Although mussels may have been the more accessible than oysters at the time, Olympia Oysters were still an abundant native species, and they were of great ecological importance, recycling nutrients for use by other plants and animals.After the California Gold Rush and implementation of hydraulic mining in the late 1800s, sediments began to wash into the San Francisco Bay, burying oyster beds. Further sediment followed and pesticides from agricultural runoff upstream prevented oysters from recolonizing these sites. Although native oyster populations had all but vanished from the Bay by 2014, teams of conservationists have plans to restore 8,000 acres of oyster reefs by the year 2060, which would have an incredibly large, positive impact on the state of Bay Area wetlands.
Giant Ground Sloth
Giant Ground Sloths were large, bumbling herbivores that evolved in South America, and were among some of the last of the large mamimals to arrive in the prehistoric San Francisco meadow that later became the site of the San Francisco Bay. The Giant Ground Sloth (Megatherium) was of similar ecological importance to the Columbian Mammoth, grazing on overgrown shrubs and distributing nutrients back into the soil with their large fecal droppings. Here lies the significance of large mammals, and their absence can be drastic and traumatic to an ecosystem by ceasing the flow of nutrients. There was a mass extinction of large mammals in the Pleistocene era, although the exact cause of this extinction remains puzzling to Bay Area paleontologists today.The natural cycle of climate change remains a leading theory, however human hunting may have contributed to the disappearance of the Giant Ground Sloth. At the time of their extinction, the climate was relatively stable, and carbon dating of fossils has correlated their extinction with the timing of the arrival of humans to the Americas. Today, in the midst of a sixth mass extinction, scientists hope to learn from the Pleistocene extinctions to prevent such events from happening today.
Blue Mussels
The native California Mussel (Mytilus californianus) thrives in high salinity, and low sediment conditions. They live in large colonies that perform similar ecosystem services as oysters by filtering sediment and recycling nutrients for the entire wetland community. They feed on plankton and are predated by sea stars.In wetland ecosystems, the abundance of available nutrients provides for extreme biodiversity, meaning that there are many different species present in these habitats. As such, wetlands are important fisheries for shellfish and bony fish alike, providing jobs and food for people in local communities. Despite the economic and ecological value of these ecosystems, over 90% of the Bay’s wetlands have been destroyed in the interest of urban development. Save the Bay and many other organizations continue to work tirelessly on conservation projects geared towards wetland restoration, and over time we could see these important fisheries and biodiversity hot spots spring back to life.
Delta Smelt
Delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) are a highly endangered small fish that eat insects and find themselves at home in Emeryville’s local salt marsh. They are able to handle a large range of salt concentration. As a keystone species, like salmon, these tiny fish are incredibly important, playing a crucial role in the food chain. Smelt are so important, their presence allows scientists to estimate the overall health of the San Francisco Bay Delta. When the delta smelt population is in decline, species that rely on smelt as a reliable food source begin to decline as well, initiating a cycle of ecosystem degradation for the entire delta. These populations used to number in the thousands, but recent trawls have only brought back less than ten of these critical species. Unfortunately, there were zero found in 2020 survey. They are suffering from greatly reduced cold water flows on dammed rivers, getting trapped in Delta conveyance water pumps as well as power plant intakes. Water contamination and competition and predation from nonnative species also play a role in the delta smelt's decline.
Leopard Shark
Leopard sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum) are the most abundant shark species located in San Francisco Bay. Much smaller than their Great White counterparts, leopard sharks on average only grow to about five feet in length. Key predators in their ecosystem, leopard sharks have smooth, flat teeth perfectly suited for crushing the shells of oysters and other invertebrates with tough exteriors. These sharks are often thought of as primary predators, preying upon smaller herbivores that would decimate the primary productivity of algae and other aquatic plants if left unchecked. Leopards are especially active from March through November when schools of herring congregate in the bay at depths from 30 to over 40 feet. As the most abundant shark species and a key predator in San Fransisco Bay, a rapid decline in leopard shark population size in 2017 did not go unnoticed by scientists and civilians alike. Thousands of sharks died off in only a couple of months and large numbers of deceased sharks washed ashore daily. It did not take scientists long to discover the cause: a brain infecting parasites. That discovery enabled rapid mitigation, before the parasite could do lasting damage to local leopard shark populations, and they remain key predators of the San Francisco Bay today. That's good news for sea lions and seven gill sharks, which predate on leopard sharks.
Gopher Snake
Pacific gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer catenifer) are cold blooded reptiles, which leads to their somewhat frequent sightings as lovers of sun bathing. Unfortunately, gopher snakes look quite similar to rattlesnakes, and it can be a startling encounter to stumble upon one in the wild. They even go so far as to vibrate their tails in a form of mimicry, warding off predators who might confuse them for venomous rattlesnakes and decide it would be best to leave them alone. These local snakes grow up to nine feet in length and are in the constrictor family, killing their prey via suffocation much like a boa constrictor. Gopher snakes are completely harmless to humans and much more afraid of us than we are of them. Enjoy this four-foot average snake as it slides past you on the trail. It could be 12-15 years old!
Yellow-faced Bumble Bee
The yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii) is a west coast native, the most abundant of 1600 native bees in California. They sport a fuzzy, black and yellow abdomen and are generalists, meaning that they are not limited to one (or even several) specific flowers but can utilize many sources of nectar and pollen. Ecologically speaking, bumble bees are important pollinators, specializing in wild flowers, agricultural crops, and flowers that grow in cooler climates such as Northern California. Many species of bees are listed as endangered in the U.S., and bumble bees have been threatened due to pesticide exposure. Pesticides are widely used in the production of agricultural crops to destroy common pests, and bumble bees are caught in the crossfire as consumers of flower nectar (pollination is a by-product of bee feeding). Bee conservation is a hot topic due to their role in pollinating crops. Hopefully conservation efforts can bring our local yellow-faced bumble bees off the endangered species list in due course.
Eelgrass
Eelgrass (Zostera) is a type of bay and estuary-loving seaweed, once forming large beds of miniature forests in the San Francisco Bay adjacent to McLaughlin Eastshore State Park. Eelgrass beds are hotspots for biodiversity, as their ecosystem functions are numerous and important. Eelgrass is the most abundant primary producer in intertidal zones (the area of a seashore which is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). It provides energy for the entire ecosystem. Eelgrass beds also provide a place to “nurse” juvenile fish in a relatively protected environment compared to that of the open ocean.Juvenile fish are easily consumed by predators, as they are slower moving and less able to distinguish between predator and friendly fish due to lack of experience. Eelgrass beds allow juveniles to grow in areas where shelter and an abundance of food is always available, increasing survival rates while facilitating population growth in a number of different species. Once numerous, there are few health eelgrass beds left in San Francisco Bay today due to portions of the bay having been filled in favor of urban development. Remaining eelgrass beds still support a rousing population of herring that likewise draw many predator species, making them crucial for this ecosystem to thrive.
Grey/ Humpback/ Blue Whale
San Francisco Bay is a whale watching hotspot, as whale pods of various species pass by the Golden Gate seasonally on their migrations. But it is the Grey Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) that frequents the San Francisco Bay itself. This species reaches an average length of 50 feet, but — contrary to what their size may lead one to believe — these incredible marine mammals are filter feeders that consume microscopic aquatic creatures known as krill. Whale watching is important ecotourism to San Francisco Bay and spurs conservation by bringing people into contact with these gentle giants.
California Dodder
Classified as an herbaceous parasite, the California Dodder (Cuscuta californica) is perhaps the most interesting plant found at McLaughlin Eastshore State Park. The dodder is a true plant, growing from a seed, establishing roots, and photosynthesizing early on in its life cycle. But, once established, dodders will sever connections with their roots. From then on, they only furthering their growth by becoming entangled with any and all vegetation present in the area. The mature dodder survives by leeching off nutrients accrued by its host plant, going from green to a beautiful and vibrant orange adorning the landscape of the salt marsh ecosystem. Although the term “parasite” harbors a negative connotation, recent studies indicate the California Dodder is a keystone species facilitating species diversity. The dodder commonly utilizes hosts (such as cordgrasses) that dominate the landscape, slowing their colonization rates across the landscape by requiring the host species to share its resources. In turn, more land is available for a diversity of other species.
Yellow Shore Crab
Despite its name, the Yellow Shore Crab (Hemigrapsus oregonensis), a San Francisco Bay mudflat native, can appear grey, green, or yellow in color. These crabs will hunt or scavenge for food, and are an important food source themselves for native and migratory birds alike. As scavengers, or decomposers, yellow shore crabs play an important role in keeping their homes “clean” by eating dead plants and animals that would otherwise take decades to return their nutrients back into the soil. If their food of preference wasn’t strange enough, their teeth are actually found in their stomach!
San Joaquin Kit Fox and Red Fox
The San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) is the smallest canine in all of North Americ. But ttheir ears are perhaps the largest in relation to their bodies of all the North American canines. Their satellite ears are not just endearing but serve to detect the smallest of noises alerting these tiny predators to the location of prey, such as the salt marsh harvest mouse. The kit fox used to be found all over the San Francisco Estuary and California's Central Valley, but due to urbanization and the introduction of invasive species, they were listed as endangered in 1967. The nonnative red fox in particular is an invasive species responsible for the kit fox's decline, as their similar preferences in prey have led to unprecedented competition for food. Although still endangered, as of 1998 these species have been categorized as an “umbrella species,” categorizing the kit fox as critical components to the healthy functioning of local wetland habitats.
Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse
San Francisco Bay's native salt marsh ecosystems are increasingly threatened by climate change and anthropogenic-related disturbances such as coastal erosion, invasive species, and local sea level rise. The salt marsh harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris), like many species that only live in these marshes, also faces the risk of extinction as its habitat is threatened by current and projected sea level rise. As salt marshes become increasingly inundated by rising waters in the bay, the loss of habitat has led to a drastic decrease in harvest mouse population size. Luckily, these tiny mammals (smaller than an adult’s thumb) are a hot topic for conservation biologists, and local research is already underway in order to determine the best strategies for their recovery. Conservation of harvest mouse populations is an important aspect of overall salt marsh ecology in San Francisco Bay, as the mice provide a link from plants to predators cycling energy throughout the ecosystem. Their favorite way to achieve this, is by nibbling on pickleweed, their plant of choice.
Ridgway's Rail
The elusive and endangered Ridgway's Rail (Rallus obsoletus) is a foraging species, digging into the mud flats like the snowy egret for mussels, crabs, and clams. Endemic to San Francisco Bay’s salt marsh ecosystems, Ridgway's Rails were only formerly “discovered” as of 2014. Previously known as the California Clapper Rail, genetic analysis has distinguished Ridgway's Rails from true Clapper Rails, found on the eastern coast of America. Unfortunately, a new alliterated name does not change the fact the Ridgway's Rail has been endangered since the 1970s. Habitat loss is the primary culprit of this drastic reduction in population size, mostly concerning the sheer reduction in remaining fragments of marsh habitat adorning the Bay. Salt marsh ecosystems are currently small enough that they are entirely submerged during high tide. Ridgway's Rails prefer to run through the marshland rather than fly or swim in order to evade predation. This leaves them vulnerable come high tide when the marsh is submerged and running is not an option. In turn, increased predation rates are another factor keeping population sizes low. Conservation efforts are afoot, as the Ridgway's recent change in name has brought with it attention from researchers and conservationists alike.
Canada Goose
The winter chill that begins to settle in early fall brings an abundance of birds to the mouth of Temescal Creek each year, the Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) being one such species. This phenomenon can be attributed to the Pacific Flyway, a migratory path of birds heading south for the winter as cooler weather contributes to a decline in prey at frigid northern temperatures. The Pacific Flyway is somewhat analogous to the highways we take to work every morning; each species has its own flight pattern, however populations of different species converge onto the same “flyway” that provides the most direct route to their respective destinations. San Francisco happens to be a popular spot along the Pacific Flyway due to the abundance of green, open space and the opportunities once afforded at the mouth of the SF Bay Delta, the largest estuary on the wastern coast of North and South America and the fourth largest delta in the world. The Canada Goose, like many migrating birds happens to prefer the salt marsh habitat, making McLaughlin State Park the perfect place for a pit stop. Canada Geese consume algae and small marine animals, both abundant resources found in the salt marsh ecosystem and making it a great location to sit down for a meal.
Osprey
The Western Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), or “Sea Hawk”, is the only hawk in all of North America to subsist on a diet almost entirely composed of fish. While it is still under debate if they lived here in pre-colonail times as their bones have not been found in Ohlone shellmounds, they are certainly experiencing a population boom now around the east bay, and can be easily viewed along the bay shoreline, particularly Point Molae from Spring through end of breeding season in and around their nests built on man made poles.Hawks belong to an ecological group known as raptors, or birds of prey, meaning they are carnivorous predators that capture and feed on live prey. Osprey are the dominant birds of prey that can be spotted from Temescal Creek mouth, as San Francisco Bay is positively swimming with fish to be preyed upon. Although historically Osprey populations have been small and infrequent, numerous nests have been found by bodies of water across the Bay as of 2020. The news is bitter sweet however, as these birds are a prime example of biomagnification, or the accumulation of toxins in predators of an ecosystem. Due to mining practices during the gold rush, the Bay has accumulated tons of mercury and other toxins at its bottom that is transferred up the food chain from algae, to herbivory fish, to predators. Each tertiary level experiences a different concentration of toxins, as top predators such as the Osprey are subject to the highest. Perhaps their return is a sign that conservation efforts such as Save the Bay are successful in their efforts to reduce the amount of mercury and toxins in the Bay, however further research is necessary to provide conclusive evidence.
Trash and Microplastics
McLaughlin State Park floods with salty sea water as welll as tons of visible and invisible pollutants as the tide creeps over the mudflats twice a day. Not only does the Bay carry in a portion of the trash that litters the premise, but the highway and creeks like Temescal also adds to much of the food containers, plastic bags, and other non-biodegradable trash witnessed here along the shoreline. What you see may be unsightly, however the real danger for the Bay and Salt Marsh ecosystem lies in what happens once this litter breaks down into microplastics. As of 2019, San Francisco Bay has among the highest levels of microplastics in its depths, subject to ingestion by smaller marine organisms before being worked up the food chain affecting all life. The same principle is true for the future of trash on the mudflats, endangering the lives of the few precious species remaining. Consistent clean ups are an important aspect of citizen conservation work, removing trash before it can break down to become ingested by the crabs and oysters that support bird populations. Reducing trash on streets that becomes stormwater litter drains into the Bay will also reduce microplastic levels by a factor of 300.
Porpoise
After a longstanding absence, the first Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in over a century was sighted inside the San Francisco Bay Delta Estuary in 2011. Porpoises are historically significant to the Bay, as bones found in Emeryville Shellmound suggest they served as an important food source for Ohlone tribes. Not only did porpoises hold significance in the past, but they could prove crucial to the future of Bay Area wetlands as well. Coastal estuaries are often too shallow for many large marine predators, which can lead to an overabundance of herbivorous species that consume primary producers such as algae, the backbone of any ecosystem. With the return of the harbor porpoise which thrive in these conditions, there is hope that San Francisco Bay’s wetlands and estuaries could be teeming with life once more.
Dire Wolf
The extinct dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus[), living alongside the Columbian mammoth throughout the Pleistocene era, were pack hunters that evolved in North America, traversing the land while hunting the largest of mammalian grazers. Prior research labeled the short-faced bear, a fearsome and large prehistoric bear, as the apex predator of terrestrial San Francisco Bay; however recent studies depict the dire wolves as taking on this role. Dire wolves were pack hunters, achieving incredibly successful hunting when surrounding the largest of herbivorous mammals such as the Columbian mammoth and mastodon. The ecological importance of wolves is clear today: their inadvertent removal from Yellowstone National Park lead to a cycle of ecosystem degradation as elk overgrazed the region. Wolves were reintroduced, dramatically restoring the quintessential diversity of species. Although the dire wolf is now extinct, other canines like gray wolves present in Northern California are currently undergoing the process of facilitated population growth. As the dire wolves of the Pleistocene regulated populations of herbivores, the present interest in gray wolves provides hope for a similar outcome in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Green-winged Teal
Not to be confused with the common mallard, green-winged teals (Anas carolinensis) are the smallest North American duck species and endemic to San Francisco Bay’s salt marshes, where they spend winters during their annual migrations. This species is likely to be spotted in Emeryville's mudflats as they prefer to forage in the mudflat habitat of salt marsh ecosystems rather than out in the water. Waterfowl provide a somewhat controversial topic of discussion to wetland conservation, as hunters are major proponents of local efforts. Historically, the National Park System was pioneered by hunting enthusiast Teddy Roosevelt, but unregulated hunting led to massive loss in commonly hunted animals.
Great White Shark
Are there great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in the San Francisco Bay? There are at least four which have been seen and tagged, though their sightings are uncommon. Great White Sharks are among the most villainized of shark species, perhaps due to their massive lengths of up to 20 feet and numerous rows of sharp, serrated teeth. Despite what their starring role in Jaws may lead you to believe, these predators only make an occasional habit of attacking surfers disguised as their favorite prey: the California Sea Lion. While hunting this prey, White Sharks exhibit an interesting predation technique by swimming upward from ocean depths in order to launch themselves into the air, capturing an incredibly surprised sea lion. Although quite the amazing sight to behold, this behaviour cannot be viewed from the bay as it is far too shallow for our local sharks to gather enough speed in order to launch 6,600 lbs of pure muscle into the air. They have their young in Southern CA, so sharks that venture into the bay are adults and sub-adults only.
California Sea Lions
California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) are San Francisco Bay natives easily identified by the presence of external ear flaps, unlike harbor seals which only have internal auditory structures.These marine mammals are playful and intelligent, and have even been spotted body surfing waves better than Kelly Slater himself. Sea lions can swim at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, almost as fast as the Great White Sharks that predate on them, reaching speeds of 35 miles per hour. Although Great Whites can swim faster, the streamlined bodies of sea lions allow for rapid changes of direction, making for a thrilling cat and mouse game between these awesome creatures. Contrary to the prison lore of Alcatraz, Great White Sharks typically do not spend much time inside the Bay, which allows for local populations of sea lions to sunbathe on Fisherman’s Wharf without a care in the world.
Pacific Cordgrass
California cordgrass (Spartina foliosa) is an important component of San Francisco Bay’s salt marsh ecosystem, providing habitat and protection to the endangered Ridgway's rail. This species of cordgrass also happens to be in a mutualistic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, effectively fertilizing the mud flats to facilitate growth for itself and other species in close proximity. Although California cordgrass is in good standing with its neighboring plants, the same cannot be said for its East Coast relative. The Atlantic cordgrass is an invasive species intentionally brought to the Bay with efforts to stabilize levees by industrial salt ponds, and has wreaked havoc on the natural composition of the Bay’s salt marshes ever since. Accidental hybridization between the Atlantic and California cordgrass has resulted in a new species that outcompetes any and all plants in proximity, especially California cordgrass and pickleweed. The hybrid looks incredibly similar to pure California cordgrass, making it difficult to completely eradicate this invasive species for no lack of trying.
Steelhead
Steelhead trout represent a locally threatened species of fish, with an interesting trick up its sleeve; the ability to turn into rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus. m. irideus). Steelheads spend a majority of their lives in the ocean, heading upstream to procreate upon mating season as freshwater rainbow trout. Although interesting, the fact that steelhead can only breed upstream is a major factor influencing their threatened population status due to blocked access by local dams. The Temescal Creek has drawn various human populations, in part die to the abundance of trout and shellfish, but in the modern era, the stream was culverted from Lake Temescal to the San Francisco Bay. Steelhead can no longer use this once large and powerful creek to spawn, but instead are pushed further upstream in Lake Temescal (a fact that has not gone unnoticed by the osprey living in Richmond's Point Molate area.)
Columbian Mammoth
The Columbian mammoth, (Mammuthus columbi) a prehistoric relative of the modern-day Asian elephant, was a keystone herbivore whose absence forever altered the ecology of San Francisco Bay. Once upon a time the Bay was without water, a vast meadow brimming with life — a plethora of animals — flora and fauna labeled as “one of the greatest natural phenomena of all time” (by E. Breck Parkman, a senior archaeologist for the California State Parks). Large mammalian grazers, such as the Columbian mammoth and the mastodon were largely responsible for facilitating such biodiversity.These gentle giants were migratory herbivores, dispersing seeds on their long journeys through their feces, which also played a large role in soil fertility. They also cleaned up forest understories, reducing competition between plants for light, water, and nutrients. They were housekeepers, beautifying the landscape while introducing a variety of species across the meadow that is now San Francisco Bay. Once the Columbian mammoth became extinct, largely due to climate change and hunting by early humans, much of the vegetative diversity also died out.
California Grizzly
The California grizzly (Ursus arctos californicus), now extinct, is remembered on the California State Flag as a hallmark of this land and the spirit of its people. In centuries past, the now eradicated grizzlies could have be seen at this very location fishing for salmon on their way upstream to spawn. The California grizzly was omnivorous, with a diet that consisted of fish, berries, tree roots, and the occasional elk. As omnivores, grizzlies played an important role in the dispersal of plant seeds, while also preventing overgrazing of vegetation by predating on large mammalian herbivores. Salmon carcasses provided great fertilizer for the land, as did the fish nutrients in their feces, contributing to the abundance of plant diversity still seen in the Bay Area today. Monarch, one of the last grizzly bears to roam the region, can be seen on display at the California Academy of Sciences, serving to educate the public about extinction.
American Avocet
The American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana) is a migratory bird easily spotted in San Francisco Bay tidal salt marshes with their diagnostic long and pointed beak, similar to an elongated needle with a bit more girth. These birds prefer to nest and breed at interior wetland sites, migrating towards coastal lagoons and salt marshes during the winter where climate is a bit more regulated leading to a wider array of prey. Avocets are well suited for aquatic environments, as even young hatchlings intuitively know how to swim. In the water, young birds are taught how to thrust their long beaks into muddy sediment unearthing buried insects; their prey of choice. In terms of conservation, the primary threat to the American Avocet is habitat loss and degradation. For local populations, this statistic is unpromising, as 95% of salt marsh habitats have been lost or destroyed in favor of urban development in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. McLaughlin State Park is one of few locations existing today where one can still find these distinctive birds. The park provides salt marsh conservation and restoration crucial to enhancing the diversity of life typically found in salt marsh ecosystems.
Snowy Egret
Snowy egrets (Egretta thula) are migratory birds often found in San Francisco Bay’s salt marshes, and are easily spotted by their beautiful pure-white feathers. Their long legs are perfectly adapted to foraging for seafood beneath the pickleweed and cordgrass, where the birds stir up mud to unearth crabs, oysters, and shrimp. Although snowy egret populations make a typical migration on the Pacific Flyway towards warmer climates come winter, colonies will return to San Francisco Bay in the spring for breeding purposes. During this time, the snowy egret builds nests for their young in large trees to provide above-ground protection from predators. Willow trees are a preferred nesting site, typically found in freshwater ecosystems. Still, snowy egrets can be found in the local salt marshes during this season as they need to feed. We are very fortunate to behold the abundance of egrets seen today, as these populations have recovered from a history of exploitation for their beautiful white feathers. The snowy egret is a living example that the conservation and protection of endangered species can have a huge, positive impact on species recovery.
Mudflat Art
Once famous large sculptures composed of driftwood adorned the landscape of Emerville’s mudflats in the 1960s and 70s, courtesy of an eclectic group of artists from the California College of Arts and Crafts. The first sculpture was an assigned project erected near Oakland Airport on Bay Farm Island, inspiring John McCracken of the same college to initiate an independent piece in the mudflats of Emeryville. Beginning as nothing more than an abstract exhibition of objective creativity using nearby trash as source materials, John McCracken’s mudflat art attracted other artists, some keen on relaying politically charged messages befitting the era against the Vietnam War. The press quickly attempted to disregard the dually political and playful public art, labeling the mudflat art composed of driftwood and litter as “derelict”, without dissuading the public's awe of the powerful movement. The Free Speech movement spoke loudly in the halls of the University of California, Berkeley at this time, emboldening artists to continue expressing their thoughts and opinions on this very ground. Not only did this movement align with that of free speech, it also enhanced awareness of the increasing loads of trash washing into McLaughlin State Park, then owned by the Santa Fe Railroad. Upon closing of the pop-up art gallery in 1998, 80 dumpsters worth of trash were hauled out of the mudflats, and environmentalists continue to advocate for the restoration and preservation of remaining salt marsh ecosystems in the Bay. A short film documents the art: https://evilleeye.com/history/junkopia-mudflat-sculpture-film-surfaces-on-youtube/ and a New York Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/1982/09/23/us/rubbish-lives-for-a-time-as-sculpture.html
Blackwood Acacia
The Blackwood Acacia (Acacia melanoxylon) is a tree that is native to southeastern and eastern Australia. In Australia, the tree grew in cool temperate rainforests, and in 1819, it was introduced to England. The Blackwood Acacia is also one of the first plants of Australian origin to be offered for sale in California, showing up in Golden Gate Nursery in 1858. With a flowering period from February to March, it attracts butterflies like the Mexican Yellow butterfly. Unfortunately, due to its fast growth from root suckering, it's not recommended for areas near residences or streets, since the tree's roots can damage pipes and foundations as well as lift up sidewalks. The Blackwood Acacia's branches and seed pods can also litter an area and have the ability to reseed.
Ribwort Plantain
The Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and has been naturalized over time in the eastern United States. Considered a weed throughout the U.S., this plant is known to have medicinal uses as an astringent or diuretic. Traditionally, these plants were used to remedy wounds, fevers, toothaches, and bug bites. The Ribwort Plantain is not alone in its medicinal uses — some extracts within the Plantain species have exhibited antibacterial properties. The Ribwort Plantain has a bloom period from March to August and is equally likely to occur in wetlands and non-wetlands due to its ability to tolerate most soil types. The leaves are edible and the seeds can be ground up and added to flour when making bread.
Ribwort Plantain
The Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and has been naturalized over time in the eastern United States. Considered a weed throughout the U.S., this plant is known to have medicinal uses as an astringent or diuretic. Traditionally, these plants were used to remedy wounds, fevers, toothaches, and bug bites. The Ribwort Plantain is not alone in its medicinal uses — some extracts within the Plantain species have exhibited antibacterial properties. The Ribwort Plantain has a bloom period from March to August and is equally likely to occur in wetlands and non-wetlands due to its ability to tolerate most soil types. The leaves are edible and the seeds can be ground up and added to flour when making bread.
Coyote Brush/ Ohlone
Coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), is a native shrub found in multiple habitats due to its ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions and range of elevations. This plant has a slight resistance to fire, where, if there's only slightly damaged, growth will start again at the base of the plant. Its seeds are dispersed by wind, and the seeds can adapt and germinate easily in different soils. Seeding gives this plant the ability to overtake local habitats and coastal canyons. Coyote brush tends to bloom from September through January; and the yellow, cream, and white flowers attract several butterfly species. It is known to be an important plant for pollinators since its flowers, along with pollen and nectar, are available during fall and winter months.There have been documented cases of this plant being used by Indigenous people for practical purposes. For instance, the Ohlone would use Coyote brush as a form of medication for ailments and illnesses. The Chumash Indians on the Santa Ynez Reservation used the leaves as a remedy for poison oak rash, and Native People of Mendocino County used Coyote brush stems in the construction of arrows.
Red-Shouldered Hawk
The red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) is a predatory bird with long-spanning wings and a medium-length tail that spreads when in flight. Look for a bird with brown checkered wings, red shoulders, and a reddish breast. This bird has a black and white banded tail. Red-shouldered hawks scan for prey while in flight and dive to catch small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.
Great Blue Heron
Great blue herons (Ardea herodias) are wading birds that live in both freshwater and saltwater habitats and use their sharp bills to impale larger fish or snatch smaller prey with their beaks. Great blue herons forage alone, standing still in the water, waiting for prey. In flight, a heron tucks its neck into an "S" shape. Great blue herons nest primarily in trees but may also nest on the ground or in bushes. They build saucer-shaped nests using sticks from nearby trees and line them with pine needles, and leaves. Nests can range from a simple platform that extends up to 20 inches to an intricate structure used over multiple years, spanning 4 feet across and 3.5 feet deep. These birds also demonstrate elaborate courtship and pair-bonding behaviors such as stick transfers, ritualized greeting, and nest relief ceremonies. Heron pairs are monogamous during a season but find new partners each year.
California Fushsia/Ohlone
The California fuchsia (Epilobium canum), is native to California's foothills and coastal regions, and is found along seasonal creeks, seeps, and springs. With a bloom period from August to October, this plant has bright scarlet flowers that stands out as one of the few native plants in the area flowering during the peak of summer. It attracts a variety of native bees and hummingbirds that help pollinate this plant species. The Ohlone peoples used it as a medical disinfectant and to help bring down infants' fevers.
Eastshore State Park Marshlands Vista
The 8.5-mile McLaughlin Eastshore State Park was dedicated in 2012 to environmental pioneer and Save The Bay founder (along with two others) Sylvia McLaughlin. Temescal Creek ends its journey into the San Francisco Bay at the Emeryville Crescent, which you can view from the south side of Powell Street along Bay Trail. Due to restoration efforts that began in the 1960's, this area is now a thriving marsh habitat.Emeryville Crescent is categorized as a Northern Coastal Salt Marsh and is considered a sensitive habitat. This area provides food, cover, nesting and roosting habit for a variety of wildlife species, including resident and migrating birds such as the endangered Least Tern, small mammals, river otters and harbor seals. In the mudflats, crabs, clams, oysters and worms provide food for other animals. In addition, the flow of Temescal Creek combining with the ocean salt water creates a habitat important for the continued survival of anadromous fish — fish that have a life cycle alternating between freshwater and saltwater.
